One week ago today, Henry Paulson announced that federal efforts had "stabilized the banking system." On Wednesday a new panic rolled through markets, running to Treasurys. T-bills 90 days and shorter fell to 0.01 percent, and the 10-year T-note dropped from 3.61 percent to 3.01 percent. Few ran to mortgages: Rates fell briefly below 6 percent...

The main objective of our proposal is to break the back of the financial crisis by sharply reducing mortgage foreclosures while liquefying a major part of the existing mortgage stock. A second purpose is to provide the foundation for a more stable housing finance system in the future.

Proposal For Mortgage...

Q: We are replacing our old electric drop-in stove with a new dual-fuel slide-in, which features a gas cooktop and an electric oven. We have had the gas installed with no problem, but now have a problem with the electrical wiring. The old stove was wired directly and the new one plugs in, so we had to purchase a plug and a receptacle. The...

(This is Part 1 of a four-part series.)

Once again I'm in China, having carefully timed my visit to avoid the brouhaha of the 2008 Olympics. In the wake of that long-heralded event, and following China's first space walk, the Chinese are practically bursting their buttons with national pride. Many of them now perceive little of substance separating China's...